Brothers' app blocks texting while driving

One of the latest tools targeting the growing problem of texting while driving didn't come out of Apple, Google or Microsoft. It was the brainchild of two Orlando-area entrepreneurs who recently launched a new mobile app called Txt Shield.

The idea behind Txt Shield, which runs on Android phones, is to short-circuit any texting capability when people are cruising down the highway, according to brothers Philip and Geoffrey Stiles, co-founders and partners in Txt Shield LLC.

Parents can install it on their teens' phones; employers can put it on company-issued phones; and individuals can download it to help resist the urge to text behind the wheel, the owners said.

They launched two versions last week on Google Play: a customizable one called Txt Shield Gold that can be downloaded for $3.99; and a scaled-down version called Txt Shield Lite for $1.99 — both introductory prices.

Based on software that uses GPS signals and wireless location-based services, the system is designed to kick in when the driver's vehicle reaches a minimum speed, as low as 10 miles per hour. At that point, it cuts off access to texting and sends an automatic outgoing message telling anyone who sends a text that the driver is on the road and unavailable.

Once installed and set up by an administrator, Txt Shield is password-secured to prevent anyone from altering it, according to the company.

If somehow the system is hacked, the app is uninstalled or the GPS is disabled, it will text the administrator an alert.

It is the first mobile app venture for the Stiles brothers. Philip, a lawyer in Lake Mary, has been involved in software sales in the past. Geoffrey is a former president of Ruth's Chris Steak House and former chief executive officer the Stonewood Grill chain.

While they are not the first to market with anti-texting software, Txt Shield's founders believe they have come up with better, more effective technology than the competition.

"Driving while texting has become a real crisis," Philip Stiles said. "We created this app as a way to address this crisis and save more lives."

Air Force 'fuzes'

Orlando-based Kaman Precision Products Inc. has received a $41.6 million Air Force deal to build 10,000 weapons "fuzes," or detonators, in a contract extension. Work is expected to be completed by April 2016.

Lockheed deals

Lockheed Martin Corp. recently received a $52 million Navy deal as part of its work to develop automated logistics technology for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. About 70 percent of the work on the Autonomics Logistics Information System will be performed at its Orlando operation and 30 percent in Fort Worth, Texas. The system will provide real-time data to a worldwide network about the JSF's operations, maintenance, prognostics, supply chain, customer support services, training and technical data.

Lockheed's Ocala electronics plant will also get a share of the work involved in a $610 million foreign military sales deal from the Army involving the Patriot missile system.